Our place of protection was purchased with the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel Corner

07/06/25

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
Today’s Word

Today’s Scripture
Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always).
1 Thessalonians 5:16, AMPC

Permission to Be Happy.
The apostle Paul says we should be glad-hearted, always happy in the faith. He didn’t say anything about our circumstances. He says to be happy whether people treat you right or not, whether your plans work out or not, whether you have many disappointments or none. He was saying to get in a habit of thinking joyful thoughts. Don’t let the negative circumstances talk you out of living happy.

But you have to give yourself permission to be happy. Sometimes we’ve bought into the lie that we’re not supposed to be happy. We’ve been through too much and have made too many mistakes. If we’re happy, we think that other people may not understand. But God created you to enjoy your life, to laugh and smile. Happiness starts inside. Give God something to work with. If you want to live happier and healthier, every morning you need to say to yourself, “I’m blessed. I’m grateful. I will be happy.” You can’t receive happiness if you’re thinking sadness. Joy is coming every morning. You will live happier if you start thinking happier.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that I can be glad-hearted and rejoice in all circumstances today because You are always in control. Thank You that You created me to enjoy my life and to be blessed and happy. I am going to keep a song of praise in my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

SECTION TWO

Today, we are beneficiaries of God’s favor, because His wrath against our sins has already been completely satisfied at Calvary. In Hebrew, the word used for “favor” is ratsown, which means His pleasure, delight, goodwill, and acceptance.

Our place of protection was purchased with the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him, we have been made righteous, and all the blessings of the righteous, including protection, provision, and length of days, are our inheritance.

That’s the place we are in today. Isn’t that beautiful? No wonder the Scriptures tell us, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Prov. 28:1).

It also tells us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). A righteous man (or woman) is who you are in Christ, and when you pray the prayer of protection in Psalm 91, your prayers avail much, for God answers your prayers!

I received a testimony of God’s divine protection from Sally, who lives in South Africa. Be encouraged as you read how she prayed for protection knowing that she is righteous in Christ:

I was driving a rented car when I heard a loud bang. With­in moments, the car was on fire. I immediately switched off the engine to get out. But to my horror, I could not remove the seat belt or open the door! I was stuck.

Finally, I managed to get the door opened. By then, the flames were threatening to come inside the car and I had to close the door again because I was trapped by the seat belt. I called out to Abba Father and just declared, “I am Your righteousness. You are the only One who can save me!”

As those words were echoing in my ears and heart, I heard a click as the seat belt was released. I dashed out of the car.

When the fire department arrived, they were able to stop the blaze. I praise the Lord for delivering me safely out of this dangerous situation! I realized that the devil has long been defeated and we don’t have to fear anything anymore.

Praise the Lord for His deliverance and protection. I rejoice that we are shielded from danger because of the righteousness we have in Christ!